1985 Opus One

A juicy, expressive wine, the 1985 Opus One is showing nicely today. Cinnamon, cloves, leather and dark cherries meld together in an Opus One that is soft, racy and appealing. Hints of brett appear from time to time, but there is almost enough fruit to balance out that imperfection. Overall, the 1985 is a solid but uninspiring Opus One that could have been more than that. The 1985 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

The 1985 Opus One has consistently performed between 88-90 points. It exhibits a healthy dark ruby color with no signs of age. The nose has not budged much from when it was first bottled. The delicate yet attractive fragrance of vanilla, herbs, cassis, and spices is followed by a sculptured, fruity, medium to full-bodied wine with crisp acidity, moderate tannin, and good depth. While very good, possibly excellent, it lacks the extra dimension of flavor and personality necessary to merit an outstanding rating. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It seems to me that vintages since 1990 have been markedly superior.